Where to Order Tortoise Online
The best place to order tortoise online is through reptile shops that specialize in these animals. They can assist you in selecting the best tortoise for you and offer advice on habitats lighting requirements, humidity, heat and other accessories.
Tortoises live up 100 years. They're fascinating animals that require a lot of care.
How do you choose a tortoise
If you're planning to purchase a tortoise via the internet, make sure the seller is reputable and sells captive-bred animals. Reptiles that are kept in captivity are less likely to get sick, since they have been raised in the right conditions. They are also generally healthier and more social than tortoises from the wild.
Also consider the amount of time you'll need to dedicate to taking care of your pet. Tortoises are a long-term commitment; they can live for up to 80 years in captivity. Do you know someone who can care for your tortoise should you no longer provide it with the required care?
You can examine the health of the tortoise and see it in person if you purchase it from a local breeder. A well-cared for tortoise appears alert and be healthy in body weight. Its shell should not have cracks, bruising, or other damage. The plastron should have a springy feeling (but do not try to squeeze a tortoise because it could be extremely stressful). The legs must be strong and muscular. The skin, the eyes and the vent should be clear of discharge.
Request a certificate under Article 10 before purchasing a tortoise. This is a form the seller must sign showing that the tortoise has been microchipped and has been given an ID number. In the US, it is a requirement to have this form before selling any tortoise.
You should also bring your tortoise pet to a veterinarian who is experienced with tortoises and specializes in exotic animals. The vet will check the animal for signs of disease or parasites, as well as other issues. The vet may recommend an examination of the feces or blood tests, particularly when the tortoise is imported illegally or came from another country. A fecal test will help determine the presence of Salmonella bacteria, which is very dangerous to humans and tortoises. The vet will also perform an overall examination and determine the tortoise's age. In the US, tortoises are sold as juveniles and hatchlings up to the point that they reach 4” in length; this is to ensure that males and females are separated.
Tortoise Care
Tortoises are long-lived creatures that need special care. You should think about your ability to care for a tortoise before ordering one on the internet. This is especially important in the case of an exotic tortoise that can't be found in pet stores. Tortoises that are imported from their home countries are at a greater chance of suffering from illness or injury during shipping. Buying captive-bred tortoises minimizes this risk.
You'll need to consider how much space you have to put in a tortoise cage. African spurred tortoises (also called Leopard tortoises) and Burmese Mountain Tortoises require plenty of space to roam around and graze. These species will not thrive in a tiny home environment. Russian, Hingeback and Mediterranean tortoises are smaller and are best suited to homes with limited outdoor space.
Make sure you have a large enough habitat to house your tortoise, including a reptile carpet or substrate that is comfortable for the tortoise to lay on. It's important that the habitat has an area to hide and a water dish that is shallow. Tortoises drink to stay hydrated, clean themselves and defecate. Soaks should be provided two to three times a week for 10-15 minutes. Soaking dishes must be shallow and made of materials that allow the tortoise easy entry and exit without drowning. Soaking dishes should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to avoid the spread of bacterial infections.
Other supplies needed include a daytime UVB fixture and bulb with a nighttime light or ceramic heat emitter, a hygrometer, a spray bottle for misting, an automatic fogger, a thermometer for terrariums and an vivarium lighting. You'll also require food bowls as well as a shallow dish filled with water, and tortoise feed.
A tortoise enclosure decorated with lots of ornaments is another way to give it an individual touch. You can decorate your enclosure with rocks and plants that are safe for the tortoise. Make sure your pet has a warm side of the enclosure for relaxing and cool with the cave or hide box to find shelter.
If you want to play with your pet tortoise, it's important that you allow it to become accustomed to you and be able to trust you before handling it often. Too much handling can cause undue stress, which is not good for tortoises. It is also essential to have someone on hand to take care of your tortoise if you're not able to be around. This person must be able to follow your tortoise's care instructions exactly and know when to contact an animal vet.
Tortoise Feeding
The food requirements of tortoises vary according to the species however they all require a diverse diet and an adequate supply of calcium and UV-B. This doesn't mean a salad from a supermarket, but a variety of tasty, nutrient rich plants that a tortoise might encounter in the wild. The tortoise should be able to browse and graze on a regular basis however, this should only occur in daylight hours or after it has laid down for the duration of the night. Tortoises that are forced to maintain a regular feeding pattern throughout the year have a high rate of metabolic bone disease. (See the recent article “Tortoise Shells Deformities: A View from the Inside”).
Food should be placed in a shallow dish and never left unattended for too long. This will promote the rotting process, which can cause health problems. During the time of grazing, the tortoise must be fed as much of the food it can eat within 20 minutes. This allows the tortoise to eat without putting excessive strain on its jaws. This also keeps the 'beak' in front of the tortoise from becoming overgrown.
Certain species require fruit-based elements to their diet. This is particularly important for species of the rainforest, such as Yellow-footed and Red-footed tortoises. However, fruits must be offered in very small quantities, and not more than once a day. They should also be carefully washed beforehand to remove any potential contaminants, such as pesticides and other chemicals that might be found on the skin or in the flesh of these foods.
Tortoises can be fed a variety of fruits, but it's best to avoid them if they are prone to diarrhea. Avoid foods high in oxalic or goitrogens. Oxalic acid can cause calcium to be absorbed and block absorption while goitrogens could hinder thyroid function. Similarly, many of the cruciferous vegetables which are often recommended as part of a tortoise's diet – like collards greens, turnips and mustard and bokchoy – are high in the oxalic acid.
Tortoise Health
When shopping for a tortoise online, it is important to ensure you purchase one from a seller that is familiar with this type of pet. Reptile shops or those attending reptile shows/expos are good options as they can offer you the most helpful tips on how to care for your new pet. buy baby tortoise online 'll also be able to provide you with the correct equipment, such as the tortoise cage. They will be able to spot signs of illness and will be able to answer any questions you might have. This is a better option than buying tortoises from a big pet store, because the tortoise could have been fighting with other animals in a small tank which will cause stress and possibly end up damaging their shell.
It is not uncommon that tortoises live 50 years or more, so it is vital that you plan correctly for their care and provide them with a suitable home to help them enjoy their life. The most important factor is proper diet, shelter and the environment.
If your tortoise is sick, you should bring it to a veterinarian who is experienced with exotic animals. A veterinarian who is unfamiliar with tortoises could result in disastrous outcomes.
The signs of the illness of a tortoise include swelling of the neck or limbs, difficulties moving, a loss of appetite and a large amount of fecal droppings. These signs are indicative of problems with the digestive system the kidneys, liver, or liver and should be treated immediately by an animal vet.
Swelling of the neck or limbs in a tortoise may be due to difficulty digesting food, insect bites, parasitic infections, buildup of toxin constipation, or a combination of these issues. The condition can be cured by soaking the tortoise for 30 minutes in tepid (warm) water, just covering the plastron of the shell. It is also possible to treat this issue by increasing the tortoise's fiber intake, by adding dandelion roots to its diet or feeding it liquid parafin or Lactulose.
A healthy tortoise is active, its muscles will be strong and it will walk with its bottom shell, known as the plastron, clear of the ground. It will also climb and dig easily.